What’s on the Plaque? A Guide to Commonly Listed Art Materials*
*Ones that I needed to do a deeper dive on Google to understand
One of the most basic, yet often confusing, aspects of viewing art is reading the descriptive plaque next to the artwork. These plaques aim to give us insight into the artist and their piece, but when it comes to listing materials, they sometimes leave us (or at least me) more perplexed than informed. For example, I can easily grasp what "on a linen canvas" means, but I was confused by terms like "oil and cold wax."
I’ve selected a few materials that confused me when I started looking at art more closely and provided explanations to make them easier to understand.
Oil vs. Acrylic
Both oil and acrylic paints are common in art, and while they can sometimes look similar, they are different in their properties and how they are used.
What it is: Oil paint is made from pigments mixed with oil (usually linseed oil) and takes a long time to dry, which allows for smooth blending and rich textures. Acrylic paint, on the other hand, is water-based and dries much faster. Acrylics are often used for bold, bright works and are favored for their quick-drying and versatile nature.
Cold Wax
You might see "oil and cold wax" listed on a plaque, a combination that allows artists to add texture to their paintings. I first encountered this technique in a piece at the Athenaeum, where an artist used cold wax to create realistic textures in her work.
What it is: Cold wax is a medium made from beeswax combined with a solvent (like mineral spirits) to create a thick, paste-like consistency. Unlike encaustic, which involves melting wax, cold wax is applied at room temperature and remains pliable during the painting process. It's particularly popular in abstract art due to the layered textures and scraping techniques it allows.
For more on cold wax, check out Cold Wax Medium: Techniques, Concepts & Conversations by Rebecca Crowell and Jerry McLaughlin.
Mixed Media
One of the most common and confusing terms I saw in art descriptions was "mixed media." I used my own deductive skills to figure out what it meant, but I think because it’s so common, it deserves a clear explanation.
What it is: "Mixed media" refers to artworks that combine different materials or mediums—like paint, fabric, found objects, or digital components—in a single piece.
I hope this guide helps make your next museum or gallery visit more enjoyable, giving you a deeper understanding of the materials used in the artwork you're viewing. With this knowledge, hopefully you can appreciate not just the art itself, but also the techniques and materials behind it.
The image used for the icon is Rising Through the Rainer Fog, created by Leanne Fink. It is an oil and cold wax painting on linen panel. The piece was exhibited at The Athenaeum and is currently in the collection of a private owner.